Alkali metal-alkaline earth metal hydroxides

ABSTRACT

A new compound having the general formula of M2E(OH)4, wherein M is Ea or K and E is Ba or Sr.

United States Patent 15] 3,637,349 Moolenaar [4 Jan. 25, 1972 [541 ALKALI METAL-ALKALINE EARTH 1 References Cited METAL HYDROXIDES UNITED STATES PATENTS Inventor: RobeflJ- Mwlenaar, Midland Mich- 2,670,273 2/1954 Munn ..23/|s3 x [73] Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company, Midland,

Mi h. Primary Examiner0scar R. Vertiz Assistant Examiner-G. Alvaro [22] led: 1969 An0rneyGriswold & Burdick, Stephen S. Grace and William 211 App]. No.: 887,391

ABSTRACT 52 us. 01 ..23/l83 511 1111.01 .001: 11/00, COM" 1 1/02 A new W havmg general formula of 2 )4 58 Field of Search ..23 183, 315 wherein M is Ea or K and E is Ba of 1 Claims, No Drawings ALKALI METAL-ALKALINE EARTH METAL IIYDROXIDES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION THE INVENTION The present invention is an alkali metal-alkaline earth metal hydroxide complex having the general formula of M N(O1-l) wherein M is an alkali metal of sodium (Ea) or potassium (K) and E is an alkaline earth metal of strontium (Sr) or barium (Ba). Such a complex, when heated to decomposition temperature, will produce the corresponding alkali metal hydroxide and alkaline earth metal oxide.

The hydroxide complex can be prepared by contacting NaOH or KOH with Ba(OI-I) or Sr(OI-I) for sufficient time and temperature to achieve chemical reaction. Thereactant can be identified by the evolution of the heat of reaction and/or the setting up or cementing of the hydroxide mixture. Specifically, where anhydrous materials are used, the temperature should be above the melting point of at least one reactant to provide a liquid phase. Where aqueous solutions are employed temperatures on the order of 60to 200 C. are appropriate.

The solid hydroxide complex so formed can be used as such or dried, ground and stored for later use. In a process requiring alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides, the complex is admixed with other components as may be required and heated to the complex decomposition temperature, i.e., about 400 to 600 C. The complex breaks down into MOI-I, E and H 0, thus providing a single source for alkali metal hydroxide and alkaline earth metal oxide.

The following examples serve to further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 12.1 grams anhydrous Sr(Ol-I) and 8 grams anhydrous NaOH are admixed and heated for 3 hours at 350 C. The mixture cemented into a solid, dry mass.

X-ray diffraction analysis of the mass'showed a predominant pattern which disclosed the following interplanar spacings (d in angstroms) for the form highest intensity ratios (U10):

d-A. I/Io 2.50 I00 1.765 60 5.75 50 3.00 16 The starting components and amounts disclose the chemical formula of the mass to be Na,Sr(0H)..

The above experiment was repeated using excess Sr(OH),. X-ray results showed the same pattern as above plus that of Sr(O1-1) EXAMPLE 2 17.1 grams anhydrous Ba(OH) and 8 grams anhydrous NaOI-l were admixed and heated for 3 hours at 350 C. The mixture cemented into a solid, dry mass.

X-ray difiraction analysis of the mass showed a predominate pattern which disclosed the following interplanar spacings (d in angstroms) for the four highest intensity ratios (I/lo):

d-A. "lo I .805 I00 3 .1 3 83 2.43 83 2.35 67 The starting components and amounts disclose the chemical formula of the mass to be Na Ba(OH) The above experiment was repeated using excess NaOI-I. X- ray results showed the same pattern as above plus that of NaOH.

EXAMPLE 3 12.1 grams anhydrous Sr(OH) and 11.2 grams anhydrous KOl-l were admixed and heated for 3 hours at 350 C. The mixture cemented into a solid, dry mass.

X-ray diffraction analysis of the mass showed a predominant pattern which disclosed the following interplanar spacings (d in angstroms) for the four highest intensity ratios (I/lo):

dA. l/lo 2.97 2.33 100 L81 I00 2.71 I00 The starting components and amounts disclose the chemical formula of the mass to be K Sr(OH What is claimed is:

l. A compound consisting essentially of an alkali metal-alkaline earth metal hydroxide complex having a general formula of M E(0I-l) wherein M is Na or K and E is Sr or Ba. 

